Assessment of Solid Waste Management System in Pakistan and Sustainable Model from Environmental and Economic Perspective

The Solid Waste Management (SWM) sector is given a low-priority by the Pakistani Government, with the climate change agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being a priority-3 only, similar to other developing countries. Although sustained efforts have been made during the last decade to strengthen the SWM sector, all actions were focused on manual sweeping and waste collection without integrating waste treatment and disposal options. In this respect, the current model of SWM in the country was analyzed for efficient future planning to strengthen the sector waste management regime in line with the targets of Nationally Determined Contributors (NDCs) and SDGs. An assessment of the SWM sector was performed in eleven major cities of Pakistan, applying Waste-aware benchmarking indicators as strategic tools. The current study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of concerned local municipalities and Waste Management Companies (WMCs) along with interventions to reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emission targets by 2030. Proposed interventions from the environment and economy perspective will generate revenue to cater for up to 29% of the operational costs, and this will be an important step towards 100% self-sufficiency in the SWM sector.

Automated summary

The Solid Waste Management sector in Pakistan has been given low priority by the government. Current waste management practices lack integration of treatment and disposal options. A study assessing the SWM sector in eleven major cities of Pakistan highlighted strengths and weaknesses of local municipalities and waste management companies. Proposed interventions aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate revenue for operational costs, contributing towards self-sufficiency in the sector.